New Testament Reading Plan Week 23: Ephesians 4–Philippians 2
In Ephesians 4, Paul continues the discussion he began in Ephesians 1–3 of how believers should live in the unity and peace accomplished through Christ. In Ephesians 4:17–32, he exhorts believers to abandon former ways of living that have nothing to do with Christ. How are they are to do this? (vv. 25–32) Ponder these verses for your own life and spend some time in prayer asking God to help you where you are weak.
Paul continues to instruct his readers to live in ways that please God in Ephesians 5. In what ways are we to imitate him? (Eph 5:1) Think of how a child imitates his or her parent. How does this help you understand how to do this?
In Ephesians 6, Paul continues with the theme of Christian relationships. In a few sentences, summarize Paul’s instruction for parents and children, employees and their employers. Think about these roles and how you might be falling short of what Paul is calling you to as a follower of Jesus. Then, spend time in prayer, and ask God to help you serve him in your relationships with family and colleagues.
Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison (either Ephesus, Caesarea, or Rome), introducing another relationship: slaves/masters. What do you think Paul meant when he called himself a “slave” (servant) of Christ? (See also Rom 1:1; Titus 1:1) How has his imprisonment and opposition created opportunities for the spread of the gospel? (vv. 11–26) Relate Paul’s attitude toward his imprisonment to difficulties you may be facing in your own life and how God might be using them for his glory.
In Philippians 2, Paul emphatically declares how believers should approach every earthly relationship. He’s not teaching unity upon a secular, man-made basis but on Christ. What is involved in being united with Christ, and how should this impact all your relationships? (vv. 2:1–2) When it comes to issues like submission and obedience, contrast the world’s reaction to the Christian’s reaction (Phil 2:14–15).
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New Testament Reading Plan Week 23: Ephesians 4–Philippians 2